Tag: decorating

Football fans do like to do seemingly crazy things. They painting their bodies to match the color of their favorite team during a game or having a tailgate party in the Northeast, in December. It should be no surprise that football fans may wish to decorate a room in their homes as a shrine to their favorite teams or players.

Make a jersey the focal point of the room. If you have Joe Flacco’s jersey, you can hang it on the center of one wall, which is painted Raven’s Purple. Surround it with pennants programs and tickets. Why not frame a newspaper headline from the morning after his Super Bowl win and hang it above his jersey.

In bedrooms, the bed is, obviously, the centerpiece. Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to find NFL bedding in all sizes.Continentalwindowfashions.com offers Baltimore Ravens NFL sports bedding, window treatments and accessories. Now you can show your true colors when you decorate your bedroom with your favorite teams colors and logos. Sports Coverage NFL sports bedding, comforters and pillows come in two different styles. You can choose from “Locker Room” or “Sidelines” style. Spruce up the bed more by adding football pillows. If you really want to get creative, use goal posts for the headboard.

Adding accessories doesn’t have to be daunting. You can find NFL logo rugs from the My Team® indoor and outdoor area rugs and door mat collection by Milliken and create the excitement of NFL game day all year long. How about football lamps, picture frames, wall hangings or even drapes with the official Raven’s logo and colors. If there’s a bathroom attached, you can even decorate there by adding an NFL team logo shower curtain and trash can. Add even more sporty fun with novelty drawer pulls and sports related clocks. Display footballs and football gear on shelves. Lockers make great storage space for clothes, shoes, and toys. Paint the lockers to match the color scheme of the room. You can even use smaller lockers as nightstands.

So make your sports fan happy, and outfit his room in his favorite team colors and logos. It’s a sure win!

Swing arm curtain rods are drapery hardware that have a hinge at one end. They are particularly good for small windows in bathrooms, the windows on doors, or any other place that it would be more convenient to swing the curtain to the side rather than to slide it to either side on the rod. You could even use them on a wider window if you wanted, by using a pair that would swing out from the center of the window.

The best thing about these rods is that they are decorative as well as functional. Umbra, the worldwide leader in casual, contemporary, affordable designer drapery hardware for the home makes swing arm rods designed for light weight drapery treatments and are available in bronze, and pewter.

Swing arm curtain rods are especially useful for French doors because they allow you to simply swing curtains to the side instead of pushing them out of the way. It is important to mount swing arm curtain rods correctly. Follow these simple steps for an easy installation.

*Consider where you want to mount the swing arm curtain rods. Your options include the wall closest to the door, outside or inside the frame or even on the ceiling above the frame. Make sure the arm can move easily from the location you choose.

*Measure the width of the window.

*Determine where you want the curtain rod to swing, this may either be to the frame or near the upper edge of the window.

*Mark the screws in the right position.

*Before installing the screws drill holes. You may need drywall anchors if you do not strike a stud when drilling.

*Keep in mind that you need to level both the curtain rods with the side by side windows. Screw in the swing arm curtain rods and move them back and forth to ensure that they swing freely. If you find impeded movement of the arm, you may have to alter its position.

Bay window is a common term for a protruding window construction. Most of the time they are polygon shapes or square in design, but they also may curved. In its most basic form, a bay window consists of two protruding windows. A bay window can add depth and architectural elements to your home, and provide a wonderful opportunity to stretch your decorating muscles. A bay window can be a cozy place to sip your coffee, or it can provide a frame for a picturesque view.

The best part of the bay window is usually the view. Don’t take away from this natural asset by overpowering your window with clutter. Consider the room you’re window is in. If it is adjacent to a busy dining area or kitchen, it’s probably best to minimize the decorations. However, if it bookends a grand library or formal dining room, color, texture and pattern would be the ideal enhancement.

If you have a bay window, you really must have a window seat. There isn’t anything nicer then curling up with a good book in the afternoon sun. If your window did not come with a seat, put wall cabinets in under your window and top with bright cushions. If that will not work, place a comfy chair or some floor cushions next to it. Just be sure to give yourself the chance to linger comfortably and enjoy the view.

Another tip is to frame your window with color: add some potted and hanging plants and flowers that thrive in sunlight. They will enhance the view of your yard and bring some nature into the room if yours is a city view. There are also so many choices when it comes to window treatments for your bay window. A classic Roman shade or blind is versatile and will help avoid over-decorating the space. Shutters, either wooden or sleek metal, are perfect for creating a private, cozy nook.

Draperies and curtains will add bright color and texture to your window. If you want to extend the appearance of width use curtains or drapes to cover the walls framing the area. This technique will let in the sunlight while keeping the charm and color of curtains. Sheer curtains are also an option to keep your window private without blocking the light. Sheers will add texture to the room and can be dressed up with bright curtain panels or valances.

A bay window can even be a child’s special place to dream and play. It’s easy to find kid-themed decorations that can be anything from stars to dance to transportation or sports. Base your decorating theme on your child’s interests. Don’t worry if his interests change; most window cling decorations can be designed to be temporary and will not hurt window glass, walls or window seat if they need to be removed.

We’ll look some more at this topic next time. In the meanwhile, start that template we discussed the other day and order your hardware so we can get started!

Bay windows are fashionable features in many homes. Their unusual angled shape is striking in itself, and they let in plenty of natural light and provide panoramic views However, when it comes to hanging curtains and curtain hardware, many homeowners are often perplexed as to how to handle the window’s unusual shape. Often these windows have a window seat as well. Don’t let the challenge of curtain or drapery hardware frighten you away from drawing attention to this lovely spot in your home. There are some creative options for bay window hardware that are fairly easy to install.

Bay window curtain rods are designed in several pieces but work together as one rod. They are specially designed so that each of the three rod sections is individually adjustable in length. This allows you to tailor each rod section to your specific bay window for a custom fit. Graber makes custom bay and bow window traverse curtain rods that are heavy duty and designed to carry about 1 1/2 pound per foot. Great if you are planning on hanging lush draperies. Graber’s rods are custom made traverse rods that are made to your exact measurements. They suggest that you make a template to help eliminate any possible mistakes due to inconsistent window shapes as well as take precise measurements. As a matter of fact, call them, and they will gladly walk you through the process.

Once you receive your hardware, what do you do next?

*Have someone on hand to help if you choose to hang curtains on one bay window rod. A bay curtain rod is basically an adjustable track that can be bent to conform to the contour of the windows allowing the draperies to hang along one rod instead of three separate rods. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for hanging the bay curtain rod. Use the included hardware and drill holes to firmly secure it in the woodwork.

*Slide the curtains onto the rods before mounting them. Adjust the curtains to make them hang evenly along the rods.

*Add tie backs for a decorative touch. Put
the tie-backs at the approximate level of where there would be a window seat.
There are so many options with a bay window and so many ways to dress it, and to utilize it. Check back later as we discover how to live with a bay window.

Drapery rods and rings are the jewelry of your windows. They add shimmer to enhance metallic finishes in the room, or if they are bamboo, iron or rich woods, they add a hint of sophistication and the finishing touch to the dressing of the window. If you decide to use finials, the little sculptures of wood, iron or bamboo on the end of the rods, it’s as if you’ve added a tiara to a head full of curls.

Like any dress fitting, the hardware for your windows needs to fit properly. When measuring a window for decorative hardware, follow these simple steps:

*Measure the width of your window treatments, noting whether or not taking you want to mount hardware on the wall or directly on the window trim.
*Allow 1 1/2″ – 3″ on each side of the window for when the drapes are open all the way.
*Consider any extra wall space needed for decorative finials: the rod dimensions do not include additional width added by each finial.
*If you want to make the windows appear larger, mount the curtain rod 6″ above the trim and allow the rod width to extend 3″ beyond the window’s actual width.

Most drapery hardware accessories are designed to provide stylish accents to complete the look of your window treatments. Tiebacks can be used to hold draperies off to the sides of a window and can be as simple fabric strips or can be more elaborate bows. Holdbacks will offer the same functionality as tiebacks, but they consist of rigid, decorative materials that are secured to a wall providing a holder for keeping drapes and curtains in an open position. Rings, clips, hooks and pulls are what connect drapes and curtains to the rod and may be either hidden or decoratively visible. Styles range from simple, unadorned wrought iron rings to clips with decorative leaves or stars. Drapery jewelry can take a number of different forms, such as covered buttons.

If what you are looking for is a completely different look, install a hinged rod. This type of rod allows you to swing curtains back and forth, covering the window when you want it covered and keeping the curtain in another spot when you don’t. Do be sure that it is installed in an area where the curtain provides some decorative value when not covering the window!

What’s your fantasy master bath? Is it pristine, simple and straightforward? Or s something more luxurious, a spa-like setting? It doesn’t really matter which amenities you choose, it’s your color choice that will be vital in setting the right mood. Most people choose a space that is as restful and relaxing as a warm bubble bath. This usually means a calming color palette filled with greens and blues, soft hues and subtle neutrals.

Some color schemes are more soothing than others, more natural if you will. Greens and blues, from the cooler side of the color palette, are evocative of the variegated colors of the Caribbean. The bathroom isn’t a place for electric blues or bright greens but rather, use softer tints like sea foam greens and aqua blues. Not only are these tones refreshing, they also visually drop the temperature a few degrees, isn’t that nice in a room associated with hot baths and steamy showers?
When choosing fixtures, pick those in the neutral hues like white and biscuit, and add in more color with the flooring, accessories and wall treatments. Blues and greens are very soothing, just like the ocean and sky. To warm them up use brown wood tones, those are chocolate in hue.
You may want to bring color into the bathroom in less expected ways, too. Light blue could come from a piece of granite or a pale green from textured glass tiles. To incorporate extra color is important but you should also have texture and interesting surfaces, too.

You can create a feminine atmosphere with peaches and pinks, or a fresh look by using lemony yellow. Try surrounding your space with lavender tones, then go one step further with some aromatherapy in the guise of lavender-scented candles.

If a spa-like experience is what you are looking for, wrap the whole room in white — white tiled walls, floors, fixtures and cabinetry, marble countertops, and even white towels and robes. Be careful though, white can become sterile looking. To make things interesting, use elements that aren’t all the same shade of white. Warm things up a bit with soft yellows or creams and some touches of gold or warm sage greens.

Remember, a soothing scheme is in the eye of the beholder. There aren’t really any bad colors, just be careful where you use them. Visit Continental Window Fashions at Continentalwindowfashions.com to see some beautiful accent mirrors. To add to your newly decorated room. Decorative mirrors can provide the finishing touch to your room. Continental can offer you a decorative mirror to fit any décor. Iron Art by Orion’s Diamante Reflections has a wide variety with both wrought iron mirrors and wooden framed mirrors .Many of their products look like antique mirrors and come in several shapes from small round mirrors to large decorative mirrors. Howard Elliott also offers unique round wall mirrors and intricate ornate mirrors.

The New Year is coming faster and faster, it’s time to get the house ready for a fresh start. One of the harder rooms in the house to decorate is the bathroom. It’s simple if you look at the common denominator: the bathroom window. By dressing it with a beautiful valance, a colorful roman shade, or plantation wood you can enhance and relax the room, even as you keep the busy world at bay.

Window treatments are as diverse as the sizes of windows they cover, and a unique designer look can be achieved that will fit your budget. In the bathroom, mini-blinds are often paired with valances. The blind offers concealment, and the valance adds warmth to the room. Stylish ready –made valances especially those that are lined can be purchased relatively inexpensively leaving the remainder of the budget for an elegant rod and a store-bought mini-blind. Most simple drapery hardware with decorative finials can be used as a valance rod. Graber Adjustable Cafe hardware is designed to complement their decorative Traverse Rod Collection. The cafe rod sets include the necessary hardware for installation.

If you are looking for a more stream lined effect, Gila privacy window tint has a frosted look that allows you to look out but keeps others from being able to look in, or perhaps you want a more decorative window. Floral etched glass in a design that coordinates with a wide variety of decorating motifs can be easily added with to any window or glass door with Etched Art Window Film adhesive-free, vinyl film. The film adheres to smooth glass or plastic through the use of static electricity, without glue or adhesives and is completely reusable. Etch Art window films incorporate real glass for an authentic sparkle and shimmer. Not only does the film enhance the décor of your room while providing privacy, it helps reduce heat and saves energy. Steam and moisture will not affect these window films so it’s also great for the shower door.

If you want to repeat the mini blind theme in your bathroom, you can pair them with valances or with café curtains. If the valance is being hung on a rod, make sure you have enough material to cover the required area including any additional length needed to wrap the material if needed. When attempting to lengthen a window or make it appear larger, avoid covering a large amount of glass. To minimize the appearance of a window, use a longer style of valance that provides more glass coverage. It will not only provide privacy but will let in lots of light through the upper half of the window. I would not recommend hanging long curtains or draperies in the bathroom or powder room because they will get wet and moldy. A window treatment that uses a variety of textures, from fabric to wood would be better. Valances should not cover more than the top third of the window.

What’s next on our New Year’s reboot? Let’s stroll through the house and see!

Its holiday time and company is coming to stay at your house. Is there anything worse than stepping out of the shower and into a puddle of water? Hanging a shower curtain not only gives you privacy as you shower, it keeps the water from splashing out onto the floor. Shower curtains can be functional: used simply to prevent water from getting on the bathroom floor or they can also be decorative and add to the beauty and charm of the room. How high you hang the shower rod will alter both the look and the effectiveness of the curtain. Hang a curtain higher on the wall and add tie-backs to enhance a whirlpool tub, or choose a straight curtain sitting 1 to 2 inches above the floor to cover a plain tub, or hide unattractive glass shower doors.

Look around the room and consider the elements of the bathroom before choosing the perfect height for your space. Choosing the right shower curtain is critical to designing your bathroom. Pay particular attention to the shower curtain rods and rings,like those from Kirsch, the more overlooked of the elements, when refurbishing the room. Rather than focusing on buying a bath rug or towels, hang your shower curtain in an uncommon way to add interest to that aspect of the room.

When shopping for a shower curtain, consider your needs. When thinking about function; plastic and vinyl shower curtains are the most waterproof. In form however, cotton, linen or silk curtains look more decorative and lush. For the best of both worlds, choose a waterproof shower liner and a more attractive fabric curtain. The shower curtain is usually chosen based on the design of the room; the liner meanwhile serves a more practical function.

Even though the average shower liner is inexpensive, the quality will vary. A less expensive shower liner will work alright, but it will probably not last very long liners since they are exposed daily to soap and water , and a good quality curtain will be easier to maintain than lower cost ones. Shop for a heavy duty liner for optimal maintainability.

The final step to installing a shower curtain is to put up the shower curtain rod. If you are using a mounted shower curtain rod, as opposed to a tension rod, accurate measurements are needed because you are going put holes in your wall. How high do you want the rod to be? Remember, the shower curtain should hang no less than a 2-3 inches from the top edge of the tub.

Next, mark the height on both walls. Before installing the brackets on the walls, it’s a good idea to hold the rod up to the marks and make sure you have marked the right spot and the rod is level. Next, screw or nail the brackets to the wall. Be sure to use the proper screws for you wall. Drywall requires anchors! When the brackets are mounted, thread the shower curtain onto the rod and fit the rod into the brackets. Done. Take a shower or relaxing bubble bath, and marvel at your work.

Decorated wooden finials make perfect ornaments for children. Let your kids paint their own, or get the whole family involved in this easy holiday project! The Finial Company has just what you need to get started. All of their drapery hardware items are hand finished to your specifications. They start with unfinished high quality raw materials and finish everything from your order at once to match perfectly. If you’re looking to make a statement with your window treatments, the Finial Company is the way to go with literally hundreds of combinations to choose from. But today, let’s use them for Christmas decorations!

1: Twist a wine cork onto the screw end of the finial, or remove the screw altogether with a pair of needle-nose pliers and replace it with a screw-eye style hook.

2: Paint each section of the finial using colors of your choice. Add details with a craft paintbrush.
Or try spraying one with white gloss and antique another with gold paint and a tiny bit of glaze. Let it dry for about 10 minutes and then wipe it off. The paint stays in the crevices and ‘ages’ the body of the finial.
Another painting technique would be to paint them all one color, (mine are blue), and then add glitter.

3: Insert a screw eye on top of the finial and thread with twine or a ribbon to hang.

If you’ve longed for a romantic country inn look for your interiors, try the simple freshness of white lace curtains. With paired with jewel toned holiday ornaments nestled on the window sill, they are simple, traditional and beautiful.
White lace curtains are appropriate in nearly every room in the house. They are a fresh alternative to heavy drapes and mini-blinds. Hang them alone where you do not need nighttime privacy or light control, use them over simple window shades or blinds, or hang them under fabric panels that will draw closed at night.
The fullness of lace curtains should be a minimum of 1 1/2 to 3 times the width of the window. In other words, if your window is 24″ wide, the curtain panel should be between 36″ and 72″ wide. In general, the more sheer the fabric, the more fullness may be needed; additional fullness will often give more window coverage.
While lace has associations with country cottage styles, it carries formal roots from drawing rooms and works well in traditional or antique settings.

Following are a few suggestions to decorate with lace curtains that are sure to create the preferred effect:

*Add decorative tiebacks to each side of window frames to increase the window treatment options. Select something whimsical, such as an animal or something traditional, such as a knob or disk.
*Integrate the lace curtains with the room’s furnishings by adding a valance. Select one that picks up a primary color from the room’s furnishings

*Arrange well-established potted palm near the lace curtains to make the most of the filtered light and bring more nature into the decorating scheme. Tropical plants such as bromeliads and African violets do well in filtered light. It’s also a great place for your Christmas tree. From the street the lights will shine with a filtered glow.
*When hanging lace curtains or sheers use a translucent rod to keep the harshness of the metal showing. The Graber Collection offers a 2 1/2 Inch Clear / Frost Dauphine Rods that will hold the curtains securely, yet not stand out through the lace.

Continental Window Fashions is an on-line retailer offering drapery hardware, window treatments and premium bedding. We offer low to very high end products from popular companies like Kirsch, Graber, Robert Allen, Ona, Croscill and Veratex. We have brought together several industry professionals whose number one goal is to make sure you get the right product in the quickest way possible. We realized a long time ago that in the highly competitive on-line market, low product prices are not enough to separate you from the competition. We not only want to have competitive pricing, we also want to focus on 100% customer satisfaction. That not only includes service during the sale, but service after the sale as well. We know that there are several on-line retailers for you to choose from and feel privileged that you have decided to visit us today.